Neighborhood around E. MLK & Alexander? (Austin: apartments, renting, condos)

[htfdcolt]

Any comments on how safe this area would be for a single female? Specifically in terms of walking safety (to catch bus etc.), likelihood of car being broken into, etc. Thanks in advance.

[ashbeeigh]

I live down the street from there.

I had a friend who lived in the condos across the street from the mlk station who lived there. (She was married at the time and then they had kids). It is normal central east Austin. You will see some shadiness and questionable people. There will be homeless people around and they may look unstable. Just call 911 and let them know there’s someone out there that looks unwell. They’ll send an officer to come check up on them. I’ve run over there in the past and have had to call a mental health officer to check up on someone.

I also have another friend who has family that lives off mlk and Sanchez. They’ve heard gun shots and they have shared the petty crime that has been reported on Nextdoor. Hopefully you’re aware that this is a gentrifying area and there are issues surrounding that.

Property crime is high in Texas no matter what. Be smart with your car. If you have a car with a pricy catalytic converter get a lock, don’t leave your laptop in your car, and get a Ring camera if you can.

If you’re looking at some of those new complexes on MLK those should be safe. I’ve considered renting there but I can’t afford it.

It’s going to be up to you and your comfort level to decide whether you feel safe in the area. You aren’t living in a suburban gated community with private security. I’ve lived in Austin for seven years and about five of those I’ve lived within a stones throw of Airport. I’m a social worker with experience with folks with serious mental illness and criminal history. My idea of safety is a bit skewed.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

If you’re looking at some of those new complexes on MLK those should be safe. I’ve considered renting there but I can’t afford it.

It’s going to be up to you and your comfort level to decide whether you feel safe in the area. You aren’t living in a suburban gated community with private security. I’ve lived in Austin for seven years and about five of those I’ve lived within a stones throw of Airport. I’m a social worker with experience with folks with serious mental illness and criminal history. My idea of safety is a bit skewed.

Thanks for your candid insights. This would not be myself, but rather a relative who's moving to the area. The apartments she's looking at are these. I guess I am nervous about the gunshots you mentioned (to be frank, I have this fear about all of Texas because of your nonexistent gun laws, but nothing can be done about this in this case).

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by htfdcolt

Thanks for your candid insights. This would not be myself, but rather a relative who's moving to the area. The apartments she's looking at are these. I guess I am nervous about the gunshots you mentioned (to be frank, I have this fear about all of Texas because of your nonexistent gun laws, but nothing can be done about this in this case).

These are new apartments and are pretty pricey. She’ll need to go out there and decide for herself. It’s not a war zone. Again, it’s a gentrifying area and will still have some of its original “charm” and “character.” Maybe look into the Mueller area for her if you’re concerned about the safety. It’s a master planned community within about 1.5 miles of this area. The price point is very similar.

[verybadgnome]

I think you will be okay in that area if you take reasonable precautions like others have brought up. Now if this was 15 years ago in that same area that advice would only apply to those that are used to some grit, e.g. Philadelphians, New Yorkers, Baltimoreans, etc. Also looks like fewer airbnbs in that part of east Austin so maybe a little bit more neighborhood stability where you can get to know people.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by verybadgnome

I think you will be okay in that area if you take reasonable precautions like others have brought up. Now if this was 15 years ago in that same area that advice would only apply to those that are used to some grit, e.g. Philadelphians, New Yorkers, Baltimoreans, etc. Also looks like fewer airbnbs in that part of east Austin so maybe a little bit more neighborhood stability where you can get to know people.

I don’t think they’ll be back to respond, but we’ll see.